resources & news
resources to help maintain brain health
Brain healthy recipe: hōʻiʻo & green papaya salad with green goddess dressing
This recipe, contributed by Chef Ikaika Molina, is meant to be flexible. Use what’s available at the market. Source as many herbs as possible but modify the herbs based on availability. Chef Ikaika notes that the berries and chopped nuts are generous enough to shine as flavor and texture highlights without overwhelming the traditional ho’i’o […]
Tech for brain health: my ALZ journey
what is the My ALZ Journey app? If you or someone you love has recently been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease, mild cognitive impairment (MCI), or another form of dementia, you are not alone on this journey. The My ALZ Journey® app, launched in May 2025 by the Alzheimer’s Association®, is a free tool that provides […]
Webinar: New Approaches in Dementia Prevention
you can change the odds Many people believe that dementia is inevitable. That it’s something that just happens as we age, and there’s nothing we can do about it. But the latest science tells a different story. Nearly 50% of dementia cases may be preventable. The everyday choices we make, including staying active, eating well, […]
What Social Isolation Does to Your Brain
When we lose a spouse, retire from a career, or simply find that the world has grown quieter around us, it’s easy to slip into a kind of solitude that begins to feel normal. But what the science tells us, and what one of the nation’s top public health officials has declared a full-blown crisis, […]
Brain healthy recipe: vegetable enchiladas
This recipe, contributed by Heidi Wulzen, R.D. of Heritage Health, is a simple, plant-forward meal using ingredients you may already have on hand. It’s easy to adapt with local vegetables and pantry staples, and great for sharing! Ingredients 2½ cups cooked squash (kabocha, butternut, or other local squash; frozen works well) 1 can (15 oz) […]
Talk story from anywhere: using tech to fight isolation
Spending time with your friends and ‘ohana is one of the best things you can do for your brain. Studies show that staying socially connected lowers the risk of memory loss and dementia. The more you connect with the people you love, the better you feel, and the sharper your mind stays! But what happens […]
How many steps do you need for brain health?
Did you know that your daily walk around the neighborhood could be one of the best things you do for your brain? Recent studies show that walking every day is linked to lowering dementia risk. And the good news? You don’t have to walk nearly as far as you might think! How Many Steps Do […]
Brain healthy recipe: Island brain bowl
This build-your-own bowl combines fiber-rich plants, lean protein, and healthy fats to support heart and brain health. Fish provides protein and omega-3 fats. Whole-food bases add fiber for steady blood sugar. Leafy greens and colorful produce supply antioxidants, while olive oil, avocado, and nuts contribute heart-healthy fats. Ingredients (Serves 4) Base (choose one or mix): […]
What is the MIND diet?
The MIND diet (short for Mediterranean-DASH Intervention for Neurodegenerative Delay) is an eating pattern specifically designed to support brain health and reduce the risk of cognitive decline and dementia. It combines elements of the Mediterranean and DASH diets, focusing on the foods and nutrients most strongly linked to brain health research. Unlike trendy or restrictive […]
Cognitive Health and Nutrition: 5 Common Myths and What to Do Instead
By Heidi Wulzen, MPH, RDN, LD Every week, new headlines promise a food that will “boost your brain”. Or, they warn that something in your kitchen is harming it. From “brain-boosting” supplements to eating vegetables in a specific order, nutrition advice about cognitive health is everywhere. Some of it is helpful. Much of it is […]
Eat the rainbow for brain health
Good nutrition is one of the most powerful tools we have for protecting our brain health. This downloadable resource, developed in partnership with Heritage Health Nutrition & Public Health, the Hawai’i Dementia Initiative, and DA BUX, offers practical, locally relevant guidance for adding more colorful fruits and vegetables to your daily meals. Research shows that […]
Should you track your nutrition?
Want to keep your brain sharp? It starts with what’s on your plate. Your brain runs best when you feed it the right fuel. Both the big stuff (carbs, proteins, fats) and the little stuff (vitamins and minerals) are important for a healthy brain. Think of macronutrients as the main course and micronutrients as the […]
The 15-minute test that could change your brain’s future
Let’s be honest: nobody wants to think about cognitive decline. It’s scary. But here’s what’s scarier—waiting until you’ve lost memory and cognition that you could have protected. Right now, you have power over your cognitive future. Not complete control—none of us do—but significant influence. A cognitive screening is how you claim that power. It’s a […]
Tech for brain health: at-home cognitive screens
Your brain is one of your most valuable assets. Just like monitoring your blood pressure or blood sugar levels, tracking your cognitive function is essential for long-term health. Think of a computerized cognitive assessment as one tool in your brain health toolkit – just like one ingredient in your bento box. Here’s what the science […]
New Approaches in Brain Health
dual-task training for the win! Exercise and cognitive stimulation are both wonderful for the brain. And combining the two creates a synergistic effect that results in even greater benefits. Learn how exercise combined with cognitive stimulation (aka dual-task training) can help improve brain health, and see how care facilities are implementing this into their residents’ […]
Six Pillars of Brain Health: Best Lifestyle Practices for Caregivers, Aging Adults, and Providers
How do lifestyle interventions help protect brain health? Research shows that our daily habits and choices have a powerful impact on brain health and cognitive function. The Lancet Commission published a study in 2024 that quantified how much modifiable lifestyle factors can reduce your risk for Alzheimer’s and related dementias. Their research shows that a […]
Brain Boosting Recipe: Salmon, Kabocha, and Quinoa Salad with Avocado Lime Dressing
This recipe was created by Chef Analicia at Kitchen Vixen. For more delicious, healthy recipes and cooking inspiration, visit @Kitchen.Vixen.Analicia on Instagram. For the Squash: 1 medium kabocha squash (3 lbs) (can substitute butternut or acorn squash)1 ½ TBSP olive oil2 tsp salt1 tsp pepper1 tsp garlic1 tsp paprika1 tsp cumin Preheat Oven to 375 […]
Exercise as a Key Defense: Reducing the Risk of Alzheimer’s
Dementia and Alzheimer’s disease are two of the most common causes of cognitive decline in older adults. Dementia affects approximately 47 million individuals globally with projections of 130 million by the year 2050. Late-onset Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form of dementia, accounting for approximately 75% of all cases and is characterized by a […]
10 Ways to Improve Your Brain Health Right Now
Serious mental decline is not an inevitable part of aging. You can improve your short and long-term brain health and significantly lower the risk of dementia–even if it runs in your family. The saying that ‘genetics loads the gun, but lifestyle pulls the trigger’ is certainly true for brain health. Fortunately, there are numerous strategies […]
The Aging Brain: Signs of Normal Cognitive Aging vs. Concerning Decline
Our brains are just like any other organ and experience some decline in performance as over time. Even in the best case scenario, we all experience a degree of cognitive decline as we age. The goal is to avoid an accelerated decline that leads to dementia or Alzheimer’s Disease in our later years. Healthy lifestyles […]